Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC) was recently presented with the Triumph Gulf Coast Horizon Award for its accelerated implementation of its FAA certification program at the Aviation Center of Excellence.
Triumph Gulf Coast is a competitive development fund in Northwest Florida that supports infrastructure needs, develops industry-driven workforce and education training programs, and provides tax abatement for businesses throughout the panhandle. Throughout the past two years, Triumph has deployed more than $250 million to projects ranging from NWFSC’s Aviation Center of Excellence, an international port terminal, and the expansion of welding, aviation mechanics, and CDL training programs.
Triumph’s Horizon Award is presented to organizations that demonstrate outstanding innovation and lead efforts to create substantial job opportunities throughout the region.
“Northwest Florida State College is a model education partner that continues to exemplify Triumph Gulf Coast’s mission of broadening and diversifying the workforce opportunities in Northwest Florida,” said Triumph Gulf Coast Chairman Don Gaetz. “Through its innovation, research, education, and training, the College has continued to develop a qualified and capable workforce that has real training, real jobs, and real earnings.”
Two years ago, Triumph Gulf Coast granted more than $7 million to NWFSC to help fund the Aviation Center of Excellence. Today, the center serves as a catalyst for workforce training, providing students with FAA industry-recognized certifications in airframe mechanics, powerplant mechanics, and professional pilot technology.
“We are grateful to Chairman Don Gaetz and the Triumph Gulf Coast Board for their continued support and are honored to have been presented with the Horizon Award,” said NWFSC President Dr. Devin Stephenson. “We look forward to continuing our partnership with Triumph as we support the growing aerospace community and advance educational opportunities in our region.”
To learn more about the Aviation Center of Excellence at Northwest Florida State College, contact Chris Abadia at (850) 729-4157 or at abadiac@nwfsc.edu.
